Is it a surprise that we are all trying to do our bit to protect this beautiful planet so that future generations can appreciate it. It's not only our homes where we have to be aware but also in the workplace. This is a concern for any business owner and thankfully, being green also leads to saving money!

If you want to reduce waste, save energy and try and transform your workplace into an eco-friendly one, here are a few tips to get you on your way. Read the following tips to help you get started:

* The majority of us use far too much paper. If your workforce is one that does, why not try this handy tip. Before recycling your paper, group 50 sheets together and then cut these into quarters. Get a bulldog clip and attach one to the top of each of the stacks. You now have your very own eco-friendly notepad! Once you have used the notepad, you can recycle it all as normal and re-use the clip.

* Do you receive lots of letters and packages in the post? Perhaps you receive large items in packages that could easily be used again if you are careful when opening them. Just attach a new label to the front of it over the old one and stick some tape on the back if needed, to secure it.

* Plastic cups for coffee, tea and water result in a lot of unnecessary waste. This can easily be avoided by bringing in your own mug. Throwing away countless plastic cups every day builds up over time. A mug holds more too so you will get more coffee!

* Switch off items that are not being used. One of the worst habits of any workforce is that many people leave the office and simply forget to completely turn their computers off, leaving them on standby. Your company's usage will be sky-high so it's important that you keep an eye on your electricity usage. Approach a business electricity supplier to find out what the best deal is for your company; they should be able to consider your usage and find a suitable tariff that will save your business money.